Quieting the mind and low arousal routes to happiness

Abstract

Psychology has only recently turned its gaze to investigate happiness and wellbeing while spiritual traditions have been scrutinizing this area for millennia. Spiritually-based psychologies of adult development tend to have different emphases than those in mainstream Western psychology. This chapter introduces aspects of spiritual experience, psychospiritual development and spiritual practice pertinent to enhancing wellbeing. It contrasts lay, psychological and spiritual approaches to happiness, looks at how spiritual approaches have influenced psychological interventions and advocates further research on contentment and equanimity.